Collection 1

by Therese A. Kramer

  “The kiss was inappropriate and took me by surprise, that’s all.” Her frantic words came out in a rush and then she voiced a jumbled string of curses.

  War snorted. “Don’t use that heathen tongue with me, lady! And, you don’t lie very well.” Without thinking rationally, he threatened, “Maybe I should kiss you again and see---”

  “No!” she snapped and her glare guaranteed retribution. He still wasn’t sure if he wanted to taste those sweet lips again. At least not until he was certain he wouldn’t wind up in another part of London. Damn, he had never been so attracted to a female before and she had to be a witch! And that was still hard to swallow. He sat himself down on a chair and tried to calm is jumbled nerves.

  He leaned forward and said, “Miss Rayleigh, I recall our conversation before you --you know.”

  She sighed. “You were here twice and we had a heated argument the first time and you kissed me, so the second time I apologized hoping you wouldn’t kiss me again, but you did.”

  War almost choked on his breath. “What?”

  She rolled her eyes. “I said that---”

  “I heard you! Dear Lord!”

  “Look, I was angry at you for tricking me,” she elaborated.

  “You think I wasn’t peeved at you?” he recounted.

  She nodded. “Yes, and you had every reason to be, but---.”

  “Damn it lady, you have no right to control people!”

  “Squawk!”

  Startled by a big black bird flying into the room, War jumped. It landed on the back of the woman’s chair. If he didn’t know any better, he could swear the bird’s big black eyes were giving him an evil leer.

  “Pepper, were you eavesdropping?” Renny asked.

  “Of course, kido” he answered and she saw the man lose some of his completion. It mattered not that the raven spoke, the count wanted to know everything about her, so why not the pet.

  “He speaks?” he rasped.

  “Squawk! You got a problem with me, Bub?”

  “Err, I guess not,” he mumbled, and sank deeper into the chair.

  Renny figured the poor man would like nothing better than to disappear. She could grant him that but that would be too easy. Besides, she couldn’t chance it. No telling where he’d wind up since she screwed it up before. She could try again to erase his memory altogether but that kiss disturbed her too much. She’d tell him everything and hope he’d forgive her.

  Maybe she should wish for something easy, like the moon.

  “Count Radcliffe would you like a drink?”

  He nodded. “Please, like I asked when we first met, call me War.”

  “All right and you can still call me Miss Renny.”

  She snapped her fingers and a bottle and glass drifted over to land on the table by his side. He grabbed the liquor and poured himself a stiff drink, gulping it down in one swig. He coughed and tears filled his eyes, but he poured another.

  “I’m sorry War, I never wanted you to find out about me, at least not this way?” The man took another swig and belched. “Maybe you should go easy on that stuff,” she suggested. He poured another ignoring her advice.

  “I’m hoping to get so foxed that I’ll awake and forget this craziness.”

  “Squawk! The man’s an ass, so why don’t you just turn him into one?”

  “Pepper, go away before I turn you---”

  “Squawk, remember out agreement.”

  She sighed. This day had turned into a fiasco and she shouldn’t be alone with a man, drunk or not in her home for any length of time.

  “Pepper, leave me alone, I have to think.”

  “All right but I’ll be an ear shot away.”

  When she was alone with the count, he asked, “Are there anymore like you in your family?”

  “My mother was a witch and my twin brothers are warlocks. But we don’t put curses on people, well; we do, but not evil curses. The twins have stronger powers than me. My father and my two other brothers are normal humans. Please don’t look at me like that! I am half human!”

  “If you m-meant that to b-be funny, Miss Renny, I’m not l-laughing,” he replied tepidly.

  Hearing his speech slur, she snapped her fingers sending the bottle of liquor back to the cabinet. He said that he was leaving but when he rose, he tripped over the ottoman, hit his head the floor and remained there. She hoped that he was only stunned, but when she rolled him over, he was out cold.

  “Bloody hell, sis, did you kill the man?”

  Renny jumped and turned to see her brother Reginald standing at the door.

  Crap! That’s all I need now.

  “What are you doing home?” she hated to sound so disappointed.

  “I’m on a leave. And nice to see you too,“ he intoned scantily. “What did you do to the poor bloke?”

  “Why must you and Victor always think the worst of me?” she grumbled, twisting her lips a bit sourly.

  Her brother laughed without mirth. “Because we know you and your temper. Now answer me.”

  “Oh, very well. I didn’t do anything. He’s foxed and fell over the ottoman.”

  “Why do I find that hard to believe,“ he muttered. “Who is he?” he strolled closer and peered down at the unconscious man.

  “He’s the son of the late Count Anwar Rainer Radcliffe. And he came here to strangle me.” She couldn’t manage to keep the bitterness out of her tone and she didn’t want to elaborate anymore but her brother wasn’t going to let it be.

  “And why is that, pray tell?” he raised a brow.

  She let out a deep frustrated breath. “It’s a long story and one I’d rather not---”

  “Well, sis, I have a weeks leave so start explaining.”

  She did and when he asked her what she was going to do, she merely shrugged.

  “Where’s pop and the twins?” he changed the subject.

  “They’re in the county at our cousin’s estate.”

  Reginald scratched his jaw. “I think we better get the man upstairs and put him in the guest room.” He bent over to lift the count and groaned. “Bloody hell! I can’t carry him up the flight of stairs.”

  “I have an idea,” she said.

  “I suppose it has to with witchcraft.”

  He took the words right of her mouth. “Of course.”

  “Aha! Why aren’t I surprised.”

  “Aren’t we so full of sarcasm!”

  “Sorry sis.”

  “Help me drag him over to the small rug in the hall.” His brows drew together, but he did her bidding without a comment. When the count was laying on the rug, she snapped her fingers and the rug lifted off the floor.

  “As much as I abhor magic, it does keep me from getting a hernia.”

  Once in the room, Renny tilted he rug and the count landed on the mattress.

  “I’ll stay with the man until he comes around. I suggest you disappear for a while. And hopefully I can convince the count not to strangle you. And when I said disappear, I don’t mean that literally.”

  “Maybe that might be a good idea,” she answered. But sooner or later she had to face the man; right now her brother was right, later would be much better.

  Chapter Nine

  War opened his eyes trying to focus them. He’d been soused before but never had he woken with such a pain in his head. He touched his brow feeling a slight lump. “What the hell?” he grumbled aloud.

  “Welcome to the living, Count Radcliffe.” said a man’s voice he didn’t recognize. He blinked. “You know me?” He meant that as a statement but it came out sounding more like a question.

  “Aye, although we were never formally introduced. I’m Reginald Rayleigh.”

  “Where’s the wit--?”

  “The witch? Aye, you can call her that, I do, but I say it with love. And by the by, she claimed that you intended to strangle her. I’m afraid I cannot allow that since I’m her brother.”

  “Son-of-a-bitch! You’re not a warlock, are you?” That was d
efinitely a question . He tried to sit but the room spun. Loud laughter filled the room, grating his nerves more, and adding to his discomfort. He moaned, holding his aching head. “What happened to me?” he dared to ask, fearing the man’s sister had put a spell on him. The brother continued to chuckle and War wanted to strangle him!

  “I’m afraid you tripped over the ottoman, bumped your head and blacked-out.”

  “Bloody fabulous!” he hissed with contempt for himself..

  “By the strained look on your face, I have to assume that the combination of booze and the bump on your forehead, the pain in your skull is quite agonizing.”

  “Damn, very perceptive of you,” he grumbled.

  “Look, count, I can understand your frustration, but I’m not the one you should be taking your anger out on, even though I am her brother,” came the bland reply. “I know what you’re feeling, I grew up with her. Between Renny and the twins, I can’t tell you all the pranks they played on me and my brother Victor. My father is the only one who escaped the magic in this house, and I still cannot comprehend how he never noticed. Sometimes I think he knew but pretended not to. Servants never stayed long because of all the strange things that occurred. If Renny or the twins didn’t like a maid or cook, things floated around making them run out screamingly like a banshee.”

  War sighed. “I apologize, Reginald, you’re correct. Now if you can tell me where she is, I’ll put the blame where it belongs.”

  “Sorry, pal, but I don’t know. How’s about you and I go down stairs and I’ll make you a cup of strong tea.”

  “Thanks. Although I think a shot might do me better, I’ll take you up on your offer. Give me a few minutes to freshen up.”

  “Take your time, the indoor pumping in down the hall,” said Reginald.

  War saw to his needs and slowly descended the stairs, every step a reminder of the pain in his head. Reginald was sitting at the kitchen table when he entered and a hot cup of tea was waiting for him. He thanked him and sipped the brew. It was very bitter, but it seemed to ease the ach in his temples.

  “It’s a family concoction to help a hangover.” Reginald answered his unspoken question and raised his hand. “Don’t ask, I never did,” he laughed. “It does the job and I have a feeling it’s something my sister mixed up with special herbs. What one doesn’t know, doesn’t hurt one, I believe.”

  War shrugged and smiled. “Aye, you may be right, but I do want to know more about your sister.”

  Reginald studied his cup for a few seconds as if he was contemplating what he would say. “I’d rather you discover what she’s like for yourself. I will say, she’s a loving person who raised my brother’s York and Yale from their birth. She and the boys use their magic on each other more than others, but they are harmless pranks.”

  “Squawk! I contradict that Reginald!”

  War spewed his last sip of tea into the air.

  “Pepper!” snapped Reginald. “Go away. The count’s suffering enough and he does not need to hear your annoying squawking. But before you go, do you know where Renny is?”

  “Squawk!” The bird sat on the back of a chair and flapped his wings. War added that damn Raven to the list of who and what he wanted to strangle.

  “Squawk! I don’t know and even if I did, I’ll not tell because we have finally come to an agreement.” He few off in a huff and poof, he left as he entered.

  He stood. “Thanks for your hospitality Reginald, but I must leave. If you see your sister please give her a message for me. Tell her that we need to talk, and I’ll be at my apartment. She knows where I live, she had staked it out the night she saw me with my sister, Dorene.”

  Amusement touched Reginald’s eyes for a brief second. “Don’t tell me she’s still doing detective work? I thought she’d grow tired of snooping on people. That girl doesn’t need to work.” He shook his head with disappointment.

  War managed an articulate snort. “I’m afraid she is, and that’s why I want to strangle her. She thought my sister, Dorie was my mistress and ruined my engagement to a Miss Sissy Vanderbilt.”

  “Bloody hell! Sorry pal. Well, I wish you luck and I’ll give her your message. And since I can’t be any help, I think I’ll go to the country and see my father. He and the twins are visiting Bartholomew, a cousin of mine. The young man may need a ally against the twins. My cousin is a pain in everyone’s backside and deserves what he gets but, well, I know what it feels like to be turned into an object.” He stood and shook War’s hand, “I believe my sister has finally met a man that can put her in her place. She told me that you remembered going under her spell.”

  “Aye.” Oh, he remembered all right! But what’s bothering him more was he recalled the spellbinding kiss and it was that kiss that made him want to see her again. She had put him under a trance and no female ever affected him as she had? God, he was in a predicament, unsettling him to no end Kiss her again, lose all sanity, or kiss her and turn into a hat rack. Oh, aye, he was dangerously enchanted. Being captivated with Miss Renny was not the worse dilemma. Or was it? God, he hoped she didn’t play dirty again!

  Chapter Ten

  Renny paced her room and chewed a thumbnail to the quick.

  How dare that man tell her that she should be doing womanly things! Ohhh! The nerve of him! She didn’t deserve to be talked down to as if she were a simpleminded female. She my have been wrong and she had apologized, but she didn’t deserve his wrath and lecture on how to run her life!

  And she didn’t deserve that kiss! She plopped on her bed with a huff. No, she didn’t deserve that mind-bending, toe-curling, heart-stopping kiss! But, oh, how she liked it, and that’s what was driving her crazy. The knock her door forced her to dismiss her maddening musings.

  “Come, in!” she called out.

  “Hey, sis. Where have you been? The count left an hour ago.”

  “I made myself scarce as you suggested. What happened with him?”

  Her brother shrugged and sat on the bed next to her. “He’s not such a bad bloke.”

  An unladylike snort was her reply.

  He chuckled. “Aw, sis, you know he had good reason to be angry with you,” he took her hand. “You did ruin his engagement.”

  She sighed, “Aye, I suppose. But she was not the right girl for him. And I do mean girl. Jeezeeee, he was practically robbing the cradle.”

  Reginald chuckled and she pouted. “And what’s so funny?”

  He raised his hand defensively.” Now, don’t get mad and snap your fingers at me . You sounded like a jealous female.”

  “Oh, Pleazeee! He’s the most maddening male that I ever had the misfortune to meet!”

  “Maybe, but he said to tell you that he wanted to talk with you. He also said that you know were he lives.” Her brother raised a curious brow but he didn’t probe.

  “Aye, but I cannot go there without a chaperone.”

  “Well, don’t look at me. I’m going to see father and the twins before I go back to the army.”

  “Can you deliver a message to the count for me before you go?”

  “Aye.”

  Renny stood and went to her writing desk and scribbled a note saying they should meet at the Rushmore Hotel, in the restaurant, tomorrow at one. She believed it would be better to talk in a public place. She gave her brother a kiss and thanked him for his help.

  The next day, it seemed like forever before the clock on the mantel struck twelve thirty. It was a twenty minute drive to the city and she wanted to get there before him. She had primped and preened most of the morning and it had annoyed her to no end that she did. Why was she taking such care with her toiletries? The man was an arrogant bully! And it wasn’t bad enough that she was nervous, which surprised her, that damn bird was butting into her affairs. She shouldn’t be anxious, she was a witch, she could handle him.

  Yeah, like you did the other day.

  She groaned at her conscience.

  “Squawk! You’re making a mistake, seeing that man, Kid
o!”

  “Go away, Pepper! You’re not helping.”

  “Tsk, tsk, you’re not acting like yourself. What’s wrong, with’cha? You never let anyone get under your skin before?”

  Renny clutched her fists to keep from turning him into an object to silence him.

  “Pepper, I’m tempted to renege on our truce if you don’t go away and---”

  “Okay, okay. But I hate to say I told you so,” he warned before disappearing.

  I hope that bird isn’t right, she thought as she put on her gloves, her hat and grabbed her embroidered reticule. When she opened the door, Count Radcliffe stood there ready to knock on the door. She jumped and blinked, saying the first thing that popped into her head. “What are you doing here?”

  “When I make a date with a beautiful lady, I make it a habit to escort her in my coach.” He put out his arm and she stared at it for a moment as if it were a serpent. She felt foolish and slightly annoyed that he made her feel uneasy. That blasted man did nothing but stir her emotions! What was he up too? She swallowed her pride, plastered a false smile on her face and placed her hand in the crook of his arm. Renny didn’t expect the thrill that shot through her. She prayed that he didn’t hear her suck in a startled breath.

  “That’s very considerate of you, Count Radcliffe. Thank you,” she said politely. How she managed to speak was beyond her.

  “My name is Anwar Radcliffe, let’s not be so formal I would take it kindly is you call me by my Christian name, if you cannot call me War.”

  Renny nodded. She’d consider it, she though, not trusting how her voice would sound trying to past the lump that had developed in her throat. Once seated in the coach, she adjusted her hat and smoothed down her skirt, just to do something. Why was she so uncomfortable around him?

  “Miss Renny, I do hope you’re not annoyed that I have taken the liberty to show up unannounced, but like I said---”